Finished!

via bookspaperscissors

This has been me for the past two weeks but I am officially done with the semester!

Now I just can't wait to get home! 

hope your finals were swell! 

xoxo. 

4.0... maybe 3.0 zone.

Goodbye until next after my finals are over next week! or until I need a study break! :)

xoxo.

Gift Guide: Glitzy

1. J. Crew Sequined Tee: $69.50 2. Miu Miu Pumps: $482.99 3. C. Wonder Glitter Belt: $38 4. Henri Bendel Knot Ring: $88 5. Confetti System Tassel Garland: $130 6. Lancome Le Vernis Mini: $15

xoxo.

Gift Guide: Beauty

1. L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream: $10-$26 2. Chanel Double Compact Mirror: $42 3. Perfume Bottle: $38 4. Tom Ford Nail Polish: $30 5. Supercalifragilipstick!: $24 6. Madewell Sleep Mask: $26

xoxo.

weekend goodie

Make sure to check out Essie's new Luxeffects nail polish top coat. Perfect for a holiday party! 

xoxo.

Hello December I've missed you!

December is one of my favorite months of the year (I may be parcial since I'm a Christmas Eve baby).  I love the cool weather and beautiful colors. I can't wait to post a few of my gift guides and pictures of my favorite Christmas trees. I'm a little behind on my blogging... as usual. So while I get caught up make sure to checkout Matchbook Mag's new issue that came out today!!

Via Tumblr

ST & LT

I wanted to use today's post to wish my wonderful parents a happy 26 years of marriage. They are the best parents that anyone could ever have and would do anything and everything for my two brothers and I. I can't wait for finals to be over so I can sleep more time with them over the holidays.

While I was home I meant to scan a picture for this post but I never got a chance too. So instead I'm posting a picture of a picture from my room at home that I took on my phone sometime last year.. (which I'm kinda embarrassed about)

Back when LT got perms and ST still had a head full of hair. 

Here are some fun facts about my parents:

-My mom's name is Laurie not Lori. 

-My dad's name is William but he goes by his middle name Scott. 

-They were neighbors growing up

-They didn't date until college, even though my mom went to the University of Texas and my dad Texas Tech. 

-They were both 22 when they got married

xoxo.

P.S. Mom if your reading this keep your eye out in the mail! 

College Prepster Giveaway!

The College Prepster is giving away a Marley Lilly monogrammed necklace! 

Here is where you can enter! Entries due by Saturday the 3rd. 

xoxo.

is it really that pinteresting?

I discovered pinterest this summer via Cupcakes and Cashmere. I checked it out and decided then and there that it was something I did not need.  Up until a week ago I was very anti pinterest. People would always ask if I had one and I would always respond "I don't do that, there are enough ways I waste time on the internet".  I finally broke down and got one last week, and to be honest I'm not totally sold on it.

I use tumblr. I have used tumblr for almost 4 years. When I'm going through pinterest I feel like I see half the same things on my tumblr dashboard. Maybe it's the repetition that loses my interest.

I won't deny pinterest is a great place to look at ideas when you have a certain project in mind.  When you  spend countless hours a day pinning things away though, you loose the organization and the tasks at hand.  Instead of pinning 100 things, you can accomplish 2 on your list of DIY projects. My opinion in short: It's procrastination waiting to happen.

Maybe I'm too quick to judge the love of "pinning", maybe over time I will be won over. For now don't expect to see me pinning my life away, or planning my wedding on pinterest.

xoxo.

Holidaze Kick off!

Thanksgiving marked the kickoff for the 2011 holiday season! I spend the majority of my break in the Texas Hill Country with my family.

It is our tradition to have Thanksgiving at our family farm outside of Austin with my mom's side, then on the following day a Thanksgiving meal with my dad's side at our lake house in Horse Shoe Bay on Lake LBJ.  I think I can go a whole year without looking at a turkey again.

I'm thankful to have such an amazing family to spend time with.  I can't wait to spend some much needed R&R at the Tinsley house over Christmas break!

Since Thanksgiving is officially over I was perfectly content with listening to Carole King's new Christmas CD.


xoxo.

P.S. Only 26 days until Christmas... and only 25 days until my 21st Birthday!

Thankful

I'm thankful for many things in my life this year, family, friends, health, and prosperity.  I can't be more excited to spend the rest of the week with my family.  I'm taking off Thursday and Friday to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family on our farm outside Austin (and because there is only dial up internet there).

Here are my favorite Thanksgiving looks:

Thanksgiving by hktinsley featuring j crew jeans

Our family Thanksgiving is more of a casual affair, so I'm planning on wearing outfit number three. I'm keeping my figures crossed that my boots will be at home waiting for me! 

Which look will you be rocking Thursday?

xoxo.

You know you love me...

I have been a huge Gossip Girl fan even before the show came out. I loved reading the books and enjoyed the spin off "It Girl".  I am the only one though who is hating this season?? I'm tempted to stop watching all together but it's my guilty pleasure.  While the storyline is on a steady decline, if anything I will keep watching for the fashion.

Are you more like Blair or Serena?

xoxo. 

Splurge or Steal?: Watches

Hermès Cape Cod Watch vs La Mer Wrap Watch

Splurge: Hermès Cape Cod Watch

I'm so obsessed with this watch, but I'm not obsessed with the $2700 price tag. If your looking for a high quality watch this is it, but if your looking for a fashion statement keep looking. 

Steal: La Mer Wrap Watch

I'm so glad I stumbled in onto these watches. With a price tag that won't break the bank ($92) and endless color options this watch is such a great find!

Which one would you choose?

xoxo.

Weekly Blog Roundup

This week's roundup is focused on "Brand Name" blogs. These contemporary designers understand new ways they can market their products, brand, and themselves.

One. The Tory Blog
Brand: Tory Burch


Two. blog blog blog...
Brand: Tibi


Three. Everything Bobbi
Brand: Bobbi Brown


Four. Trina's Blog
Brand: Trina Turk


Five. Love Notes
Brand: Rebecca Minkoff 

American Royalty

Still having withdrawals from the Royal Wedding last April?  Well lucky for you the December issue of Vogue is featuring wedding portraits of Lauren Bush (granddaughter of George and Barbara Bush) and David Lauren (son of Ralph Lauren).

Via Vogue

Can you guess what Lauren's father-in-law gave her as a wedding gift?

xoxo.

WOOHOO!

I've had over 1,000 hits! Thanks to my readers!

Now I could just use a pair of these to celebrate...

Via Tory Burch

xoxo.

Grinchy?

Let me be the first person to tell you how much I love the Holiday season, but let me also be the first person to tell you I believe in taking one holiday on at a time.  Call me old fashion, but I like my Christmas in December not in November or heaven forbid in October. I'm still enjoying my remaining sparkle pumpkin (although me and my roommates had to smash one tonight that went bad). 

Don't get me wrong I love Christmas, I love the whole month of December! My birthday is Christmas Eve! But I want to slow down and enjoy my fall.. or 75 degree weather we have here in Alabama. Winter will come when it's ready with all those fun things that come with it. Until then I want to enjoy my fall Christmas Music and decoration free.

After Thanksgiving though, I will be more than ready to spread the Christmas Cheer!

xoxo.

Pucker Up

Before I came to college I loathed wearing lipstick. I would only wear it if my mom forced me to, but since then I have become a little more girly. Finding the right fit is the battle, currently my lips are either bare or coated with Chapstick.

Here are some lip products I'm dying to test out.

One. Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted lip
I have only read good things about this product! It seems like the perfect thing between chapstick and lipstick.

Two. Bobbi Brown Classic Go To Palette

Something about this Bobbi Brown lip palette just conveys a little bit more maturity than my old Clinique lip glosses did. 

Three. Kate Spade SUPERCALIFRAGILIPSTICK! (in Fuchsia Fete)

While I know this lipstick is marketed from it's brandname, I can't helo myself from being drawn to it. I think I'm the girly appearance that ropes me in.  

What's your favorite lip products?

xoxo.

Weekly Blog Roundup

I've been a major slacker on weekly blog roundup... today included. This week I'm going to try and get ahead on blogging for next week! Here are some of my favorite blogs this week.

One. A Cup of Jo
Cup of Jo is one of my new favorites. This New Yorker is so New York and I love it! Plus she also has killer reader giveaways!


Two. Lil Blue Boo
I'm shared Lil Blue Boo before and I have to share again. This is one of my favorite blogs. Not only is Ashley DIY craft queen but is also sharing her fight against cancer. Her blog brings me to tears sometimes and I suggest you put it on your radar.


Three. The Southern Eclectic 
The Southern Eclectic is the blog of Fort Worth designer Sheridan French (You know I love repping DFW). Her and her family are the cutest thing I have ever seen and I would kill for her closet!


Four. The Love List
The Love List is such a fun blog! I love the sleek design.


Five. The Daily Spark
The Daily Spark is Matchbook Magazine's blog. If you love Matchbook Mag then you will absolutely love this blog! BTW... have you checked out the November Issue featuring Kate Spade?

xoxo.

Watered Down

My lastest obsession is watercolor paintings. I seriously can't get enough of them! Over the holidaze I'm going to try and take up watercolor painting. I'm sure it won't be pretty at first (or ever) but trying never hurt anyone!

Don't you just love this one from Bendel's?

xoxo. 

Organized Clutter: Bookbag

For a while now I've been needed to clean out my backpack and I finally got around to it.  

This is usually the contents of my backpack (give or take a few items):

1 Computer + Case

1 Three Subject Spiral (I switch every other day)

1 Small Journal

1-2 Books for class

1 Agenda

Stationary

1 Set of Notecards and FOE (you never know when either will come in handy)

4 Colored Paper Mate Flair Pens in assorted colors

1 Black Rolling Ball Pen

1 Mechanical Pencil

Pencil Case

1 Computer Charger

Tictacs

2 Highlighters

1 Sharpie

Chapstick

Whoa. After typing that out I carry around a lot of things, but honestly I have the lightest backpack around.

For me to stay organized, I have to keep things compact. 

This is why I use multi subject spirals. They are strudier than regular spirals and allow for me to only keep up with 2 spirals rather than 5. I also use 2 folders, one for classes syllabus and the other for graded assignments/class handouts. 

Something in my backpack that may sound unnecessary is a journal. I believe that they are SO useful and here is why. 

A Journal:

I cannot tell you enough how much I use my journal. Not only do I carry it around in my backpack but also in my purse when I'm out running around town. I use mine for ideas and reminders mainly. If I think of a good blog post I jot it down or have a errand to run I write it down there. Plus there are so many cute journals out there! I'm currently using a Missioni for Target one that I love, but is now unavailable. I currently have my eyes on Archie Grand journals for my next one. 

Here are my favs:

xoxo.

Tie it Together

...with a scarf!
Here are my favorite scarfs for the upcoming cold weather.

Tie it up by hktinsley featuring leopard print scarves

xoxo.

Birthdays and Football

No weekly blog roundup today, I've just been too busy. but..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MG!

BEAT LSU!!

(Via Zimbio)

xoxo.

bling bling

I. AM. DYING. over Essie's lastet collection.

  (Via Essie)

I think a bottle of cocktail bling is in my near future. 

What's your favorite?

xoxo.

Brace Yourself

I've never been a big bracelet person, except for my James Avery charm bracelet and friendship bracelets.  But lately I've had my eye out for some sophisticated arm candy.

Here are a few bracelets I would love in a set or solo.

One.

Diament Designs Vintage Name Bracelets $12

Refinery29 featured these the other day and I automatically went to check if they had one with my name. These are such a steal and would make a perfect gift.   

Two.

Tiffany's Twist Bracelet $425

I'm lucky enough to have the gold Tiffany Twist Ring, and LOVE it. This bracelet would be a classic addition to anyone's wrist. There is something about the look of twisted metal I just can't get enough of. 

Three.

Michael Kors Leather Buckle Bracelet $65

I love the leather and buckle. This bracelet would be a great replacement for a watch. This is also such an everyday piece, it would get so much wear with my wardrobe. 

Four.

Kate Spade Flying Colors Idiom Bangle $58

Colored bangles are my newest obsession. They are be worn with as a set or solo. My favorite is a single color on each wrist. And Kate Spade inscribes little messages on the inside of all their bracelets, so fun!

Five.

J. Crew Classic Pavé Link Bracelet $118

I love this chunky bracelet. It would be perfect piece for the upcoming holiday season. I could image pairing it with a LBD for a cocktail party to give your outfit a little sparkle.  

xoxo.

Cords Done 3 Ways

cords by hktinsley featuring slimming pants

Today I was itching to go further into my cold weather clothes stash and discovered a couple of pairs of cords I forgot I owned.  I highly suggest getting some cords for the winter! They are classic and a nice change up from jeans. I always buy mine from the J. Crew Outlet, there is always a lot of styles and colors to choose from.

Enjoy!

xoxo.

p.s. Happy November!

Halloween Special: Easy Caramel Apples

While I was home for fall break this weekend I got a chance to make the simplest caramel apples.

What I used:
Red Apples (but I think green would taste better)
Caramel Sheets
Wax Paper/Cookie Sheet
Oven

What I Did:

    

End Result:

Happy Halloween and Happy Birthday to my Nana!

xoxo.

   

catch ya later

I'm jetting off to Dallas/Austin for fall break!

xoxo.

Fashionable Football Saturdays

I pulled together a couple of different looks you can wear tailgating and to the game on Saturday, no matter where you go to school.

game day outfits by hktinsley featuring frye boots

Look One.
When I think football games I think cowboy boots. I paired them with a flirt shirt and feminine top (also seen in my last polyvore set) in my school colors to show my school pride!

Look Two.
This outfit is geared towards an SEC football game. Girls in the south love to dress up and football games are no exception.  I picked out a TIBI dress, since the brand is so youthful and contemporary.

Look There.
In my opinion this outfit would fly at any tailgate, at any school, no matter who you are (fan, student, alumni). Everyone should invest in a great pair of riding boots for fall.

We have a week off here in Tuscaloosa, so I expect everyone to be working on their outfits for the biggest game of the year on Nov. 5. Roll Tide!



xoxo.

DIY Halloween Costumes.

I feel like girls sometimes get backed into a corner for Halloween costumes. As far as pre-packaged costumes go, they are usually "sexy" Fill in the Blank, that cost nearly $50 and look extremely cheap. I rounded up some great alternatives that are way cuter and cost efficient than anything you can find at Target.

1. Carrie Bradshaw
There are three different ways to go about this. The First Way is in my opinion the most iconic. Every girl knows the opening credits of Sex and the City, where Carrie gets splashed in her Tutu. This outfit would be so easy to put together, all you need is a tutu, pink tank and some stilettos. If you more of a DIY girl check out the tutorial Lauren Conrad featured recently. The second way is to go for the high fashion look, Carrie was never afraid of what she wore. Lastly, the Halston Heritage dress. You could go for the investment and buy the exact dress or you could save on this look alike for around $20 at forever 21.

2. Blair Waldorf (Back in the Constance days)

The key to dressing like Blair Waldorf is colorful and classic. For this look you'll need bright tights and flats, a mini skirt paired with an oxford and blazer. All of these things can be items you already own or items you can use to build your wardrobe. To polish off the outfit add a structured bag and fun headband. 

3. Kate Middleton/Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Feel like you were meant to be born or marry into Monarchy? Then channeling everyone's favorite princess may be just the outfit for you! You can go all out with the princess bride look tiara and all. If you're not that flashy go for a toned down look with a royal blue quarter-sleeve dress (similar to the one Kate wore to announce her engagement). J.Crew has a dress that would work great, not only will you be looking like the Duchess herself, but it would also be an investment for your closet. If you are looking to spend a minimal amount of money, wear a shift dress you already own and add a outrageous hat to get the Kate look! Don't forget to wear a large "Sapphire" ring.

 

Still not satisfied? Head on over to What I Wore. She has been putting together some creative and fun costumes! 

xoxo.